How To Ferment Veggies At Home Like A Dietitian

This summer, wellness experts and thought leaders gathered to attend mbg’s fifth annual revitalize for a weekend of forward-thinking talks, movement, and nourishing eats from the biggest names in nutrition. Here’s a recipe inspired by the Fermented Feast hosted by KeVita.

Ever since revitalize 2018, I’ve been more inspired than ever to have an open mind when it comes to the different ways to create new healthy habits beyond our usual routine.

I’ve learned to keep an open mind to new experiences like incorporating moments of stillness and meditation throughout my day to reduce stress (something I’ve never made time for before). It’s been helpful not only from a mental aspect, but from a physical one as well. Stress may have an impact on our digestive state and the way we absorb nutrients. Under stressful situations, our digestion can slow down which can lead to uncomfortable side effects, like bloating and indigestion. Finding ways to manage stress is part of building a routine that helps in reducing digestive issues.

With the increasing research on the gut-brain connection emphasizing the importance of our microbiome, it’s no surprise that gut health is near the top of my priority list when it comes to maintaining healthy habits.

Almost two months later, I still find myself thinking about the Fermented Feast dinner with KeVita at revitalize and using the menu as a source of inspiration for new recipes. The dinner showed us all the different ways gut-friendly foods can be incorporated into everyday recipes. I love that it used a variety of fermented foods in creative ways! One of the starters was a fermented pickled vegetable mix with an edamame nori hummus. Tasted as amazing as it sounds, and it inspired me to start experimenting with my own fermented vegetable recipe.

Fermented vegetables are essentially vegetables soaked in a salt brine, so it’s easy and requires minimal ingredients. Under the right temperatures, an acid naturally occurs to ferment the vegetables. Studies have shown that the acid produced from fermentation in fermented foods may help reduce glucose response after a meal. Even though it might sound intimidating at first, the process is really simple and only requires time and a few supplies.

Regardless of whether you decide to leave the vegetables in their whole form or sliced/shredded, just makes sure you’re using a jar big enough so that the vegetables are completely covered in the brine.

You can choose any vegetable you like to ferment, but a few of my favorites are root vegetables: carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips. Root vegetables adds in hearty texture that works great in any fermented vegetable recipe.

My current favorite flavor combination is inspired by one of the probiotic drink flavors I had from KeVita at revitalize this year: the Sparkling Probiotic Drink in Lemon Ginger. When combined, these flavors work great for a tart and spicy kick to any recipe.